Q&A with West
Charles H. West, Kane County Coroner, Republican
1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?
I love what I do! Everyday provides a new experience and challenge. Over the last several years as coroner, I have had the opportunity to connect with people during very difficult times in their lives. These opportunities have allowed me to meet some extraordinary and courageous people throughout the county. I also have the privilege of working with a staff that works well together as a team and brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the office. Together, we work to provide dignity and respect to the deceased and their families while always looking for opportunities to educate the community and prevent unnatural or premature deaths. I look forward to again working with the county board in addressing the challenges of providing the best services possible to a growing population in the most fiscally responsible way.
2. For incumbents and non-incumbents. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.
As a result of the large number of death investigations in Kane County each year, patterns or trends are often revealed. Such was the case with the number of unnatural deaths of senior citizens. The number of cases investigated where seniors were neglected, abused or victims of crime were increasing. This alarming trend prompted the development of the first Senior Fatality Death Review Team in Illinois. To develop this team, I gathered together members from the Kane County State's Attorney, Senior Services, Department of Aging and Illinois Department of Public Health. The death review process was defined and the philosophy and protocols for such a team were established. This has become the blueprint for all other Illinois counties that wish to establish a team. Working with local state legislators, legislation was brought before the Illinois House and Senate and with successful passage in both houses, the team began meeting the end of 2006. Again, the trend in death investigations in Kane County pointed to an increase in deaths from domestic violence. To raise community awareness of this, I partnered with both domestic violence agencies in Kane County, the Community Crisis Center of Elgin and Mutual Grounds in Aurora, and hosted a regional seminar for mental health, police, fire and health care. The conference featured the national spokesman for domestic violence, Victor Rivas Rivers, as a keynote along with a forensic pathologist and a state's attorney to address the issues surrounding domestic violence. Since this first conference, the Kane County Coroner's office has coordinated three additional annual conferences. The coroner's office maintains a close working relationship with both domestic violence agencies in the county working to address all aspects of domestic violence through early recognition, education on prevention and victim advocacy. This work to raise awareness about domestic violence earned me the Community Crisis Center's "Partner's in Peace" award in October 2006.
When I was elected in 2000, the coroner's office was using typewriters for case input and tracking statistics manually. Recognizing the inefficiencies of these systems and the lack of county funding, I worked to obtain a grant that would allow for the development and purchase of hardware and software for the office. As part of the grant, my staff and I worked with four computer companies and together designed and implemented an integrated, computerized network for the coroner's office. Along with state of the art computer hardware, the office received software that allows for improved data entry, data retrieval and statistics. All total the value of this project was $170,000. As a result of this process, we received national recognition in 2005 for outstanding technology in government. I traveled to Washington, D.C. and accepted an award from Computer World.
3. In recent years, Kane County has seen a rise in deaths due to domestic violence and cocaine. Does the coroner's office provide enough outreach in the community? Are there educational efforts the coroner's office should be undertaking that it is not currently? If so, what? Please be specific and offer funding sources.
See above regarding domestic violence outreach. I have chosen "It's About Life Not Death" as the driving force behind the coroner's office. I believe that we can make a difference in people's lives through community outreach and education. Ever since I was first elected, I have made education and outreach a priority for the office and staff. We have created several presentations on drinking and driving and drug use and together we have presented to thousands of high school and college students all over the county. In the first six months of 2008, the staff and I have presented to over 1,800 students in Kane County schools. In addition to these presentations, we have conducted numerous pre- and post-prom classes and participated in numerous health and safety fairs, Take Back the Night activities, Safe Kids and Night Out Against Crime. I have also spoken on topics of drugs and alcohol to several civic organizations such as citizens police academy, local church groups, service clubs and First Offender Program participants.
4. We've heard that space over the years has become an issue for the coroner's office. Is that still the case? How can this be rectified? And how would that be paid for?
The need for a new coroner's facility has been identified by the Kane County Board and is part of the county's strategic plan. To address the immediate needs of the office, some minor construction was just completed. These improvements included enhanced lighting, an emergency shower for staff decontamination and the creation of a small family viewing room. As these enhancements were welcomed, Kane County's population continues to grow and more space will be needed to accommodate the increased number of bodies. Currently the morgue has cooler space for 10 bodies and freezer capacity for two. In addition to accommodating the bodies, evidence collected in all homicides must be stored forever. There is also a growing number of unclaimed bodies that must be stored for a period of time while searches are done to locate any next of kin if possible and arrangements made. Additional temporary space has provided better accessibility for records from 1800s to current.
5. Not including those issues already identified above, is there another issue you believe will affect the coroner's office over the next four years? If so, define it and explain how you would like to see it addressed.
I will continue to work with the board to address the issue of adequate funding for the office. We currently are operating at the budget level of 2006, with no capital funding available. The current building and equipment (cooler, freezer, ventilation system, removal cots, etc.) are showing major signs of aging and will need to be replaced to meet current safety standards. Current funding also effects my ability to recruit and retain qualified staff. Additional training requirements for both the coroner and deputies are being added by the Medical Examiners and Coroners Association to address the changing patterns in cause and manner of deaths. Over the last 2 years, I have consolidated staff positions, eliminated service contracts and delayed replacing equipment to help the bottom line. I will continue to look for grant opportunities and other ways to reduce expenses.
6. Please list the names of all relatives employed by or involved in contracts with Kane County, their relationship to you and their position or area of business.
No relatives involved in contracts with Kane County. My son, Eric West, is currently employed as a part-time deputy coroner. He came to the office with a background in health care and training as an EMT. All deputy applicants are interviewed by the chief deputy and a group of peers. Recommendations are then forwarded to the coroner. Because of the nature of the business, special emphasis is placed on communication, team work and support.